High cholesterol

[Smittybear7]

Total cholesterol 264, h d l 53 vldl 13, CL dl198, triglycerides 66,ratio 5 the doctor wants me to take 40 mg ofatorvastain Any advice to lower cholesterol with out drugs Thanks in advance! Currently on carbadopa levodopa25-100mgs 1pill every 8hrs, baclofen 5 mg twice a day

[laglag]

o Exercise helps most

o Eat more fiber (beans, apples, oatmeal, nuts in moderation)

o Eat more fish

o Stay away from saturated fat (partially hydrogenated oil)

o Stay away from sugar

[LAJ12345 in reply to laglag]

I agree.

[Smittybear7 in reply to laglag]

Thanks

[Bolt_Upright]

I'm one of those anti-statin science deniers. I don't have anything to base it on really.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Knowing the side effects of Statin drugs doesn't help.

[BarfTheMog in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Statins would have saved my grandfather from his early fifties death had they existed back then. They got my father into his early 80s. They have already saved my life. Some cholesterol problems are genetic. Others are built on a lifetime of eating sugar and not exercising enough, or combination of that with genetics. You can deny it maybe because it's convenient for you, not being constitutionally vulnerable. Other people shouldn't give you any weight since you don't have any basis, and said so, which was a nice thing to do at least.

[Kt088]

I also have cholesterol issues and the doctor just started me on a statin. If you do start one be sure to take coq10 with it to prevent any muscle aches that normally come from the statin. The pills are too hard to swallow so I use a liquid available on Amazon. Also Red Yeast Rice is a natural alternative that does a great job of lowering the cholesterol if you don’t want to take the statin.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Kt088]

Thank you. Are there any bad side effects from red yeast rice?

[Kt088 in reply to Smittybear7]

Not that I know. My daughter is a nurse and did the RYR for her husband and no issues. You can research it online g

[Boscoejean in reply to Smittybear7]

webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre...

[NorskPike in reply to Smittybear7]

I took red yeast rice for years and they helped, but not enough. After a stroke last year I was put on statins; first 40mg of Atorvastatin, then Pravastatin and finally Rosuvastatin. They all had the bad side-efffect of insomnia. After seven months of proving I could not take statins, I qualified for Repatha. This drug is partially covered by Medicare in the US and our health insurance covers most of the rest. They come as injections every two weeks that you can easily administer yourself. In six weeks my cholesterol went down to 144 total, HDL 64 and LDL 65. The sureclick injections are a breeze.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Kt088]

I've been taking kokuten for years now. Thanks for your help!

[BarfTheMog in reply to Kt088]

Have you actually found that CoQ10 changes your pain situation? I mean, had pain when you were not using coq10, and pain goes away, and then returns if you stop? How much pain enough to believe you wouldn't just have a psychological effect?

[HekateMoon]

I always rejected statins. I think the effects scare me. I take red rice yeast. Oats in the morning with fruit and berries cinnamon and chia......my cholesterol has been going down slowly so im doing something good. I dont eat meat. Just fish. Very little fried food...like a treat once in a while.

[Smittybear7 in reply to HekateMoon]

What brands of red yeast rice do you take and how much? Thanks for your help!

[HekateMoon in reply to Smittybear7]

Pharma nord, SmittyBear

[HekateMoon]

Also careful with coconut oil. Even though is good for constipation it also have saturated fat, so one tsp a day is prob ok...no more

[Smittybear7 in reply to HekateMoon]

Thanks for your help

[CaseyInsights]

It maybe that ratios between the elements on the lipid panel are more important than the topline total cholesterol figure. It is more predictive of the risk of heart problems.

I utilize the Total Cholesterol/High Density Lipoprotein Ratio i.e. TC/HDL

For example from my wife's Lipid Profile Labs

Total Cholesterol [TC] - 301 mg/dl

High Density Lipoprotein [HDL] - 106 mg/dl

Low Density Lipoprotein {LDL] -179 mg/dl

Risk Ratio: 301 divided by 106 = 2.83

Risk Ratio Scale:

Low: less than 3

Average: 5

High: 13

So the doctors even having this lab report in their hands, with risk ratios in black and white still recommend statins. Why would you do this with a low risk. And given the complications that can arrive from taking stains this advice has me baffled.

I simply ignore them. No statins. And if you do a little research too you too will ignore them.

Do note it is a lipid panel test not one to determine your cholesterol levels. The other elements and their relationship to one another on the panel are important for predicting your risk for heart problems.

There are other ratios that you can use. [Would not get into it here as this is a Parkinson forum] But you can start your research here

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con....

[Smittybear7 in reply to CaseyInsights]

I appreciate your help. They also did the blood work after I had eaten I don't think that was taken into consideration. Usually it's a fasting blood test.

[Boscoejean in reply to Smittybear7]

yes that is the issue - it should not be done after eating - it skews the results - this happened to my husband who always had low cholesterol then one time he had the test without fasting after he had had a Thanksgiving dinner at friends house when I had to be out of town. It was the only time he ever had high cholesterol and has not since so I think it was all the rich foods that our friend's mom and aunt made for the dinner that were the issue - like waaaayyyy too much butter : )

[Smittybear7 in reply to CaseyInsights]

My ratio using 264÷53=4.98 Is that considered average

[CaseyInsights in reply to Smittybear7]

Yes a ratio of 5 for the TC/HDL ratio is considered average. Given this figure you are a moderate risk for heart problems.

So you may want to wait a month or two and redo the test while fasting to see what the numbers are. In the meanwhile you can avail yourself of dietary factors to better your numbers.

Statins as reported on this thread cause - in some - massive cramps. 'Parkies' are already stiff. I for one would not like to be trying to figure out if the stiffness/cramps comes from Parkinson or from the statin drug.

You can also avail yourself of another ratio that is more reliable that the total cholesterol figure that the doctors use to rail road you into taking statins. That ratio is the Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein [TG/HDL] ratio.

So once again using my spouse lipid panel as an example

Total Cholesterol [TC] - 301 mg/dl

High Density Lipoprotein [HDL] - 106 mg/dl

Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL] - 179 mg/dl

Triglycerides [TG] - 81 mg/dl

TG/HDL Ratio:

81 divided by 106 = .76

The cut off point is 2 to be considered a low risk. A ratio of 4 or greater puts you in the danger zone.

Here is an article and a lively discussion [122 replies] on the TG/HDL ratio. From the article:

Many studies have found that the triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C ratio) correlates strongly with the incidence and extent of coronary artery disease. This relationship is true both for men and women.

docsopinion.com/triglycerid...

And in closing the lipid panel numbers are not the only factors to consider in risk for cardiovascular problems. For instance your calcium score is more predictive than any thing discussed here. But we will leave it there.

[Smittybear7 in reply to CaseyInsights]

My ratio is 66÷53 =1.2so what does that mean?

[CaseyInsights in reply to Smittybear7]

From my previous post -

The cut off point is 2 to be considered a low risk. A ratio of 4 or greater puts you in the danger zone.

So your TG/HDL ratio of 1.2 means that you are at low risk for a cardiovascular event.

So it should be quite clear to you by now that this is a guesstimate game:

Total Cholesterol - 264. Cut off at 200 [High Risk]

TC/HDL Ratio - 5 [Medium Risk]

TG/HDL Ratio - 1.2 [Low Risk]

It just depends on what factor you think important to be used in determining your cardiovascular risk.

My advise to you would be to stay clear of statins and focus on a low-carb/medium fat diet.

* No soft drinks i.e soda

* No juice - not even the 100% pure variety. Eat the fruit - do not juice.

* No snacking

* Avoid package foods - cook your own meals

* No so called 'vegetable oils' i.e Canola, Corn, Soya Oil. [Inflammatory]. Use Coconut Oil and Ghee to cook - saturated fat. Olive Oil for salads.

In short, de-friend

[1] Package foods, snacks

[2] 'Vegetable Oils'

[3] Sugar - glucose and fructose [Except in whole fruit and vegetables]

The information may well be overwhelming, but it makes sense to understand what you are being asked to do and the potential risk which is constantly downplayed by the medical community.

Best wishes

👍

[Smittybear7 in reply to CaseyInsights]

Thanks again!

[gaga1958 in reply to CaseyInsights]

avocado oil has a higher smoke point for cooking

[CaseyInsights in reply to gaga1958]

Indeed Avocado Oil does have a high smoke point. But 'unrefined, extra virgin cold-pressed avocado oil' - the preferred extraction method is rather expensive.

I cannot afford to cook with it and do use it sparingly for salads.

[Smittybear7 in reply to CaseyInsights]

Calcium from the same blood work is 9.95. Is that the calcium score? Thanks again for your help

[CaseyInsights in reply to Smittybear7]

No the blood work does not reveal the calcium score I spoke of. I am referring to -

A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, is a specialized X-ray test that provides pictures of your heart that can help your doctor detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in your arteries.

See here -

mayoclinic.org/tests-proced....

[Smittybear7 in reply to CaseyInsights]

Thank you

[chartist]

I have gotten multiple very good results using non-gmo soy lecithin granules. Two tablespoons a day. Lowers LDL, VLDL, triglycerides and raises HDL. Friends that I have suggested it to also found it effective. It can be mixed in a smoothie or yogurt, but I just put my 2 tablespoons in a glass, add about 3 ounces of water and drink it down right away with no mixing or dissolving.Allows avoidance of statins and associated side effects. I buy it in large jugs.

Another potential benefit for PwP is that lecithin is a precursor for choline and so it will increase acetylcholine.

Art

[Smittybear7 in reply to chartist]

Thanks, how long till you see results? Did you do anything else. Were your numbers as high as mine?

[chartist in reply to Smittybear7]

Results after 6 weeks of everyday use.

Art

[Butterflygirles]

Try citrus bergamot. Brought total cholesterol down 40 points in 4 months to 220, which is borderline high. I am 86. Recommended by many in health field. Do your research.

[alexask in reply to Butterflygirles]

Seems expensive. Will just drink a couple of cups of earl grey tea a day 😛

[Butterflygirles in reply to alexask]

I’ve been using Logic Nutra 60 count. There are other brands 120 count. (Amazon) Results might vary time wise. However, it is a good, tested alternative to statins. Since I retired 20 years ago I’ve had to pull in my purse strings. Worth it! 😊

[Smittybear7 in reply to Butterflygirles]

Thanks

[Butterflygirles in reply to alexask]

PS I don’t know about the tea.

[Skidad in reply to alexask]

Why Earl Grey?

[alexask in reply to Skidad]

Earl Grey tea is made from black tea and bergamot citrus extract

[Smittybear7 in reply to Butterflygirles]

Thanks

[JustJeff]

Statins gave me dreadful muscle cramps so i was taken of them

[Boscoejean]

health.harvard.edu/heart-he...

[Smittybear7 in reply to Boscoejean]

Thanks

[Yeswithasmile]

This does seem to be my band wagon that I jump on but there is a link between thyroid and cholesterol. I would get your levels tested not just your tsh. Bear in mind that the range for these levels is vast and you can be ‘in range’ and still have an issue if you are low within that range.

Sorry. I read your post and considered not replying but my fingers made me do it!!

[Smittybear7 in reply to Yeswithasmile]

Thanks I asked my dr to order the full panel Thyroid test and he won't do it because the THS was normal. I may pay out of pocket and get the panel done.

[Yeswithasmile in reply to Smittybear7]

A lot of people pay and do their own and self source medication for wellness so you wouldn’t be alone there.

I simply felt it was worth mentioning. My own cholesterol was high before thyroid medication. I had a series of anomalies in my bloods that correcting my levels seems to have helped with.

Good luck.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Yeswithasmile]

Thanks again and Good luck to you also!

[akgirlsrock]

youtu.be/_fJNggbU2vg(Not working as expected?)

[Smittybear7 in reply to akgirlsrock]

Thanks for sharing. Very interesting!

[akgirlsrock]

youtu.be/_fJNggbU2vg(Not working as expected?)

[Despe]

drperlmutter.com/brain-need...

[Smittybear7 in reply to Despe]

Thanks

[Janbol]

I am totally against Statins. I had backpains could not hold my tennis racket any more. I use , more than 15 years, a combination of Omega-3 and Policosanol ( both as regular supplements). This as effectve as statins without the statin problems.I am almost 85 years now and still play tennis , tree times per week.

I have Diabetes type 1 and PD.

regards, Jan

[Smittybear7 in reply to Janbol]

Thanks

[Trailing]

You got a lot of good advice hear. All drugs come with side effects and best to try other healthy alternatives. Remember cholesterol itself is not the culprit. God didn't equip you with a system designed to kill you. The problem lies in an inability to process cholesterol properly and/or an inability for the body's antioxidant system to guard against oxidation of cholesterol.

Eliminate all hydrogenated fats and sugar which are in most processed foods and replace them with healthy fats and fresh veggies and fruits. Taking CoQ10 is great. You may consider Ubiquinol (Kaneka) an advanced form which is especially easier for older adults to assimilate. Omega 3s are great to prevent heart disease. Sardines are high in Omega 3s a great way to get them in your diet without taken another pill. My husband eats them for lunch almost every day.

Saturated fats got a bad name because of the high cholesterol scare, but the culprit has proven to be the hydrogenated fats that were introduced after the war.

My husband had very low LDL similar to you and we added coconut oil for cooking and his total cholesterol increased because his LDL increased but the ratio was way below 4. As someone else has said here it is the ratio that you need to consider. Actually people with a higher total cholesterol levels have proven to be healthier all around. If you really want to learn more about preventing heart disease I recommend Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra and James /c. Roberts book, Reverse Heart Disease Now.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Trailing]

Thanks for sharing. My cho/HDL ratio is 5 ,myTG/HDL is 1.24 so maybe it isn't as alarming as I thought.

[Coot18]

Food grade diatomaceous Earth.I had quintuple bypass surgery 15 years ago.

I was on statin drugs for about 5 years when I heard about diatomaceous earth.

I've been off the statins on my cholesterol is fine.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Coot18]

Thanks. How much do you use and how often?